Marburg Virus: Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment
What is Marburg Virus?
Marburg virus is a rare and deadly filovirus that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD). It is closely related to the Ebola virus and causes similar symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle pain, and bleeding.
Symptoms
Symptoms of MVD typically appear within 2-21 days after exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms are similar to those of many other viral infections, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Bleeding from the eyes, nose, mouth, or rectum
- Organ failure
Transmission
Marburg virus is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, saliva, or feces. It can also be transmitted through contact with objects that have been contaminated with the virus, such as clothing, bedding, or medical equipment.
The virus is not airborne, so it is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands or hugging.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for MVD. Treatment is supportive and includes measures to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. This may include:
- Intravenous fluids
- Electrolyte replacement
- Antiviral medications
- Blood transfusions
Prevention
There is no vaccine to prevent MVD. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
If you are traveling to an area where Marburg virus is known to occur, you should take precautions to avoid infection, such as:
- Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding contact with sick people
- Avoiding contact with animals that may be infected with the virus, such as bats
- Eating only cooked food
- Drinking only boiled water
References
Virus Marburgo Sintomas
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